A Brooklands Suggestion.

The Twelve Best Touring Cars.

IR,–In the Earl of Cottenham’s new novel, “Sicilian Circuit,” I came across a question which has given me furiously to think. The characters discuss their choice of the twelve best touring cars in the world, but unfortu

nately, the author does not give the makes unanimously decided upon, only the countries of their origin. These were : two British, two Italian, three French, two German, and one Austrian. He adds “then, later, another British car was voted in by a majority, bringing the total up to eleven makes in all. And finally an expensive American car was included to complete the round dozen.”

By an all-round touring car, I suppose, is meant a car capable of a high cruising speed, and good hill-climbing performance, having adaptable suspension to suit all road surfaces and provide comfortable, shockless riding for the occupants, light but positive steering, a good lock, powerful brakes, proven reliability, really comfortable coachwork, and plenty of luggage room.

The following is my choice, in order of nationalities : Rolls-Royce “Continental,” Bentley 34 litre, Siddeley-Special, Lancia Dilambda, Hispano-Suiza 12 cyl., Delage 8 cyl., Renault 8 cyl., AustroDaimler 8 cyl., Tatra 12 cyl., MercedesBenz “SS,” Packard 12 cyl., Lincoln 12 cyl. I am not quite sure whether the 12 cyl. Horch might not be substituted for one of them, but which one I can’t decide ! In my list, therefore, we find three British, three French, two American, one Italian, one German, one Austrian, and one Czecho-Slovakian.

Can anyone improve on this list ?

M. NICOLSON. Kingston on Thames.